News

Republicans have their candidate in place for the 8th District U.S. House of Representatives race.

Tony Sabio, a national-security professional and self-described Reagan conservative, was the lone Republican to file for the party’s nomination by the May 26 at 5 p.m. deadline.


News

Costs for the Arlington 55+ Travel program aren’t going up as much as first proposed, but they’re still rising and future increases are likely.

As part of the fiscal 2027 budget process, County Board members approved a 25% increase in fees charged by the 55+ Travel program, operated by the Department of Parks and Recreation.


Around Town

Twins Ace Hardware is celebrating its new Crystal City location this weekend with some big-ticket item giveaways, refreshments and other activities.

Starting today (Friday), the locally owned and operated hardware shop is holding a grand opening weekend at 2051 S. Bell Street. Festivities over the next few days will include a grilling expert meet-and-greet, daily giveaways and a ribbon cutting.


Schools

Three years after dropping Kaiser Permanente and Cigna as health-insurance providers, Arlington Public Schools is bringing them back.

Superintendent Francisco Durán said at the May 28 School Board meeting that the two firms had been selected to provide health-insurance coverage for a three-year period beginning at the start of 2027. They will replace CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, which has held the contract since January 2024.


Event

A collaborative Summer Solstice gathering hosted by Inner Seasons and Spiritual Enhancements.

The Summer Solstice marks the peak of the sun’s power, the moment in the Wheel of the Year when light is at its fullest expression. In many traditions, this is the season of radiance, visibility, and creative fire. It is the time when nature stands unapologetically in her fullness, inviting us to do the same.


Opinion

Whether you’re after a precision fade, a beard trim or just a no-fuss neighborhood cut, Arlington’s barbers are ready to keep you looking sharp.

Here are the nominees for “Best Barbershop in Arlington” as part of our ARLnow Readers’ Choice awards.

Did we miss your favorite barbershop? Write it in!

Voting will close in two weeks.

Voting for Best Title Company in Arlington is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday at 8:30 a.m.

Two weeks ago, we voted on the Best Real Estate Agent for Sellers in Arlington. The results are now official:

  1. Blake Davenport (TTR Sotheby’s)
  2. Kay Houghton (eXp Realty)
  3. Liz Lord (Compass)

News

Arlington County has retained the highest possible credit rating for the 26th year in a row.

All three major bond-rating agencies — Moody’s, S&P Global and Fitch Ratings — reaffirmed the county’s Aaa/AAA/AAA debt ratings this week, the county announced this morning. Arlington is one of just 54 counties nationwide, and one of 13 in Virginia, to hold the top mark from all three.


Around Town

A Crystal City hotel is celebrating its completed redesign and a soon-to-come “land and sea”-themed restaurant at the property.

Local leaders and staff at the Westin Crystal City cut the ribbon on the hotel’s overhaul yesterday (Thursday) at 1800 Richmond Hwy. The project redesigned the hotel’s 223 guest rooms, refreshed common areas with new walls, floors and furnishings, and will soon introduce Stillwater & Stone, a new restaurant and bar.


Around Town

The owner of a longtime gay bar and iconic local business in Crystal City says he’s remaining an “eternal optimist” following one of the restaurant’s toughest financial years yet.

Freddie Lutz, owner and founder of Freddie’s Beach Bar, says the restaurant is still grappling with economic difficulties that drove business down throughout 2025. However, Lutz says he is hopeful as ever as the bar — a hallmark of Arlington’s culinary and cultural fabric — recently celebrated 25 years in business on Restaurant Row at 555 23rd Street S.


News

Falls Church’s Urban Forestry Commission is considering ideas to increase the city’s tree canopy without breaking the bank.

With several years of difficult budget years on the horizon, it may be hard to find funding for some previous proposals, such as creating a city urban-forestry management plan and a comprehensive tree inventory, said Erin Flynn, the Council’s liaison to the commission.